WildSnow Shirts
I had searched high and low for a hoodie to replace my worn and frayed “Telemark Flylow” and was getting down right frustrated back in early December, as choosing a new hoodie is not an easy chore. Hoodies, like ball caps, represent our values and passions. Then, right here on WildSnow.com, Lou Dawson announced a new hoodie and t-shirt collection designed by his son and his son’s friend Jason. Louie and his college pal have been designing and producing shirts to help pay for higher education and of course, trips to higher mountains.
So, I clicked through to the shirt selection at Lou’s WildSnow Gear Shirt Shop and there it was: Step One Hike (front)…Step Two Shred (Back). Within minutes I had my plastic out and was grinning big time. The price was very affordable at $37.99 plus shipping. The simple graphics mesh nicely promoting a simple way of life that many of us backcountry skiers embrace with passion and commitment.
WildSnow Hoodie in the wild Alaska, side one
I choose the sport gray versus the other two colors available as I tend to dirtbag and grunge when walking, hiking or biking. The slogan also comes on t-shirts with an amazing twenty-one color variations and in a handy nine sizes. The hoodie arrived within a few days by the slowest of snail mail rates.
The WildSnow hoodie is made in Honduras and is 50% polyester/50% cotton, which makes it a warm après ski casual top in winter. The material feels sweet against the skin. In southcentral Alaska we have a tendency to reach for our hoodies much more often than our tank tops in summer, thus they are standard wear for many Alaskans who work outside as fishers or guides. After 150 days or more of wear the material shows little of the normal deterioration, indicating a well-made product. Much like my ski preferences, I am a one “quiver” hoodie wearer and this one fits nearly every day.
WildSnow Hoodie in the AK, side 2.
Louie’s design is excellent and inspirational. It’s a classic. Shopping and purchasing clothes at Louie and Jason’s store also helps him pay for college (and yes, trips to New Zealand) and build experience through entrepreneurship. Take the time to shop. There is a shirt or hoodie for you, and they make great gifts for ski pals. And, I can assure you that other skiers will walk circles around you to get the front/back message.
(Guest blogger Matt Kinney is owner of Thompson Pass Mountain Chalet, and author of “Alaskan Backcountry Skiing – Valdez & Thompson Pass.”)
Matt Kinney has been skiing Valdez Alaska and Thompson Pass since 1979. He works as a guide and avalanche hazard evaluator, as well as having authored a guidebook for backcountry skiing the Chugach.
